Explore Solitary Islands Marine Park

Located in New South Wales, Solitary Islands Marine Park is a diver’s paradise offering a vibrant underwater world teeming with life. This protected area, comprising five main islands, boasts nearly 1,000 different fish species, making it a must-visit for marine enthusiasts. Among its underwater residents are the captivating blue grouper, graceful grey nurse sharks, and a variety of rays like the shovelnose and eagle rays. The park's rich biodiversity extends to turtles, frogfish, and even the peculiar anglerfish, ensuring every dive is a unique exploration. Diving around Solitary Islands is an enchanting experience, with diverse environments ranging from colorful reefs and dramatic walls to intriguing shipwrecks. Whether you prefer shore dives or boat excursions, the park offers breathtaking underwater landscapes. Seasonal migrations bring an added thrill, with sightings of majestic loggerhead turtles and the mesmerizing dance of giant cuttlefish. The presence of clownfish, nudibranchs, and vibrant schools of bannerfish adds to the kaleidoscope of colors, providing divers with captivating sights at every turn. The marine park's accessibility and pristine conditions make it an ideal destination for divers of all skill levels. With the South Solitary Island’s active lighthouse as a backdrop, divers can immerse themselves in a world where the wonders of nature unfold at every depth. Whether admiring the playful antics of blue tangs or navigating through schools of kingfish, the Solitary Islands Marine Park promises an unforgettable underwater adventure that captivates and inspires.

Top Solitary Islands Marine Park Dive Sites

1. South Solitary Island

Divers can encounter grey nurse sharks, turtles, and large schools of pelagic fish. This site is suited for advanced scuba divers due to strong currents. Notable for its clear waters and protected area status, it's a key ecological zone in the marine park.

2. Split Solitary Island

Known for its diverse corals and vibrant reef fish, Split Solitary Island offers easy to intermediate scuba diving. The site features intriguing underwater rock formations and is accessible for both scuba and freediving enthusiasts.

3. Muttonbird Island

Home to octopuses, nudibranchs, and reef sharks, Muttonbird Island provides an adventurous experience for intermediate divers. Both scuba and freediving are popular here, with the surrounding protected waters enhancing marine life abundance.

4. Groper Island

This site features colorful nudibranchs, moray eels, and the occasional leopard shark. It's ideal for technical scuba divers due to variable depths and currents. Groper Island is a designated sanctuary zone, emphasizing its ecological importance.

5. Anemone Bay

Rich with clownfish, anemones, and soft corals, Anemone Bay is perfect for beginner scuba divers seeking a calm dive. Its special features include sheltered dive conditions and a variety of marine habitats within the marine park.